How to Build a Removable Awning Over a Balcony

Preparing Materials

• 1

  Measure your balcony with a tape measure. Decide how much coverage you need with your awning. You may want to only hang the awning over a portion on your balcony. Alternatively, you can make an awning that covers your entire balcony. Write down the length and width measurements.

• 2

  Add 4 inches to your length and width measurements to purchase the correct amount of acrylic canvas material. The extra fabric allows for the hems around the canvas.

• 3

  Use your tape measure to decide the desired height. The awning will attach to the wall and to two PVC support poles.

• 4

  Purchase two PVC support poles. If necessary, cut the PVC poles to your desired height using a table saw.

• 5

  Place the PVC poles into weighted bases. Arrange the poles and bases in their final location on the balcony, keeping in mind that the end of the awning will tie to the poles.

Hang the Awning

• 6

  Sew a 2-inch hem on all four sides of your acrylic canvas using nylon thread.

• 7

  Install grommets to the four corners, 1.5 inches away from the corners.

• 8

  Choose which side of the canvas you wish to lay against the wall. Use your measuring tape to measure the distance between the grommets in the corners of the wall-side of the fabric.

• 9

  Referencing the distance measurements between the two grommets, pre-drill holes into the balcony wall. Screw two hooks into your holes. Hang the wall-side of the awning by placing the grommets through the hooks on the walls.

• 10

  Hold out the outer portion of your awning to ensure your PVC support poles are correctly placed. Slide the outer grommets over and through the support poles.

• 11

  Take your rope and tie a knot under the grommets where your awning attaches to the poles. Tie another piece of rope around the top of the pole over the awning. The ropes keep the awning securely in place.

• 12

  Remove your awning by unhooking the grommets from the wall of your building. Then untie the ropes around your PVC poles and slip the outer grommets over and out of the poles.